INSOMNIA

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder that can significantly impact your quality of life. It's characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing poor sleep quality. If you're struggling with insomnia, it's crucial to seek professional help.

Diagnosing Insomnia

A comprehensive evaluation is essential for accurately diagnosing insomnia. This typically involves:

• Medical history review: Your doctor will assess your overall health, including any existing medical conditions, medications you're taking, and your family's history of sleep disorders.
• Sleep history: You'll be asked detailed questions about your sleep patterns, routines, and any factors that might be affecting your sleep.
• Physical examination: Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could contribute to insomnia, such as thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances.
• Sleep study: In some cases, your doctor may recommend a sleep study to monitor your sleep patterns in a controlled environment. This can help identify specific sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome.

Common Causes of Insomnia

Several factors can contribute to insomnia, including:

• Medical conditions: Chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders can disrupt sleep.
• Medications: Certain medications, including antidepressants, stimulants, and corticosteroids, can interfere with sleep.
• Lifestyle factors: Stress, irregular sleep schedules, excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption, and exposure to electronic devices before bed can contribute to insomnia.
• Sleep disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy can disrupt sleep and lead to insomnia.

Treatment for Insomnia

Treatment for insomnia often involves a combination of strategies tailored to your individual needs. These may include:

• Lifestyle changes: Improving your sleep hygiene, managing stress, and avoiding stimulants before bed.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of therapy that helps you develop healthy sleep habits and address any underlying psychological factors contributing to insomnia.
• Medications: In some cases, sleep medications may be prescribed to help you sleep better.

Anza Wellness is here to help you overcome insomnia. Our team of mental health professionals can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment options to improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.